 "Vantage | Why does Iran want a naval base in Sudan?")
Reports recently surfaced suggesting Iran’s interest in establishing a base in Sudan. However, Sudan’s government declined the proposal sparking questions regarding the relationship between the two nations and the broader geopolitical implications.
Iran’s strategic move
Iran’s interest in a Sudanese base stems from its desire to secure access to the Red Sea, a crucial maritime route. Being situated on the opposite side of the Persian Gulf, Iran lacks direct access to this strategic waterway. With regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt already having access, Iran views establishing a base in Sudan as a means to counterbalance their influence and assert its presence in the region.
Sudan’s rejection
Despite Iran’s offer, Sudan’s government rejected the proposal. This decision was influenced by Sudan’s strategic alignment with the West, particularly evident since the military coup in 2019 that ousted Islamist dictator Omar al-Bashir. The new regime sought to repair relations with Western powers as evidenced by Sudan’s recognition of Israel in the context of the Abraham Accords. Aligning with Iran would jeopardise these diplomatic gains and potentially lead to backlash from Western nations.
Sudan’s internal dynamics further complicate its foreign policy decisions. The country is embroiled in a civil war between the military and paramilitary forces. The government’s need for weapons to combat rebels creates an opportunity for Iran to exploit offering support in exchange for strategic concessions.
The Houthi factor
The Red Sea region faces escalating tensions due to maritime threats posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Recent attacks on commercial ships and undersea fibre optic cables highlight the vulnerabilities of this vital maritime route. Disruptions to undersea cables can have far-reaching consequences, affecting global internet connectivity and disrupting international trade.
The Houthi rebels’ tactics including attacks on ships and demands for permits to navigate the Red Sea raise concerns about their intentions. While initially framed as efforts to deter Israel and address conflicts in Gaza, their actions suggest a broader agenda driven by financial gains and strategic leverage.
Impact Shorts
View All“Triumphing over the oppressed Palestinian people and in retaliation for the American-British aggression against our country. The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a targeting operation against an Israeli ship “MSC SKY” in the Arabian Sea with several suitable naval missiles, and the hit was accurate and direct,” said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea.
The refusal of Sudan to accommodate Iran’s interests coupled with escalating tensions in the Red Sea underscores the complexities of regional geopolitics. The possibility of Sudan’s regime shifting alliances and the Houthis’ evolving strategies pose significant challenges for global powers seeking to maintain stability and security in the region.
The Iranian quest for a Sudanese base and the escalating tensions in the Red Sea region reflect the intricate interplay of geopolitical interests and regional dynamics. As various actors manoeuvre for influence, the stakes remain high, with implications extending far beyond the immediate vicinity. Navigating these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape and proactive efforts to mitigate potential conflicts and disruptions.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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